A maker of wagashi (traditional Japanese confections), Toraya was founded in the early 16th century in Kyoto where it became a purveyor to the imperial court during the reign of Emperor Goyozei, which ran from 1586 to 1611.
Toraya established a foothold in Tokyo in 1869, after the national capital was transferred there on the heels of the Meiji Restoration.
At present, Toraya has three factories and approximately 80 shops throughout Japan, in addition to a boutique in Paris.